ANOTHER ROUND OF GLOBALIZATION IN SAN FRANCISCO

Abstract

San Francisco has a long experience with global markets, conquest, migration, and competition. Hurtled onto the world stage by the Gold Rush, the city rode high before being squeezed by the development of laggard regions around the Pacific Basin. The first opening produced San Francisco's leap forward and initial industrialization, but limits to imperial ambitions forced local capital to intensify the development of California. This turned out well, as the region built up a stronger base of production before being propelled again to the global forefront by wars in the Pacific. After another long ride on the roller coaster of globalization, the Bay Area finds itself facing new and severe challenges. This has led to a turning inward once more, but always with an eye on outside markets and investments and a hand out to welcome global labor, capital, and tourists to California.